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 Journal of Sustainable
Construction Materials
and Technologies
J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 www.eds.yildiz.edu.tr/jscmt

Rethinking sustainability: A research on starch based bioplastic

Esen Gökçe Özdamara,*, Murat Ateşb

a
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ
59030, Turkey
b
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ 59030, Turkey

Manuscript Received April 25, 2018; Accepted May 30, 2018

Abstract

Based on the need to rely on sustainable feedstock, depend less on fossil resources and decrease carbon
emissions, biomaterials and bioplastics as substitutes of conventional petroleum based plastics have been the
focus of many material scientists, architects and industrial product designers. Therefore, this article is an
experimentation on the possibilities of starch based bioplastic production. The focus of the article is to
understand the limits of this new material and figure out whether starch based bioplastic material can be used in
architecture, both as a facade material and an interior space furnishing.

Based on Steven’s bioplastic formula, starch based bioplastic is produced handmade as a surface and cubic
specimens with different developed variations in this article. Different starch types, such as potato, corn, wheat
and tapioca are tested and mixed with pellets known as local agricultural waste, natural fibers and aggregates.
Within the research bioplastic produced from potato starch is formed and molded firstly as a sheet and secondly
as a three-dimensional material and tested for vulnerability and durability. The research expands to
understanding how organic and inorganic interventions can be made in order to increase the life span of the
material, make it durable and resistant to humid and weather conditions. It is observed that tapioca starch gives
the finest, smoothest, flexible and strengthful biopolymer among all.

Issues on sustainability, designing and sensing the unpredictable and searching for “new” materials for a greener
and sustainable future are the main core of bioplastic production. Regarding the negative carbon footprint and
long-term environmental effects of fossil-based plastics through landfill and incineration, the search for such a
material brings forth a deeper material experience along with a further collaboration of architects and
engineering disciplines. Through this production, we need to figure out deeply the nature of new starch based
materials in architecture, which are eco-friendly, cheaper and more strengthful materials compared to
conventional synthesized polymers.

Keywords: Agricultural waste; biocomposite, construction material, material design, starch based bioplastic.

1. Introduction

Today, there is a shift towards circular economy in which energy, resource management and production and
consumption patterns have to be reconsidered due to our growing population, excessive consumption and their
negative effects on the environment. In the state of a global crisis due to this excessive and irreplaceable

*Corresponding author:
E-mail: gokceozdamar@hotmail.com (E. Gökçe Özdamar)

https://doi.org/10.29187/jscmt.2018.28
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 250

sustainable feedstock use, we need to re-evaluate the production of consumer goods—with a greater focus on
food packaging— building and construction materials that consume less energy and continue its lifecycle as
minimum waste or different function.

Based on the need to rely on sustainable feedstock, depend less on fossil resources and decrease carbon
emissions, biomaterials and bioplastics as substitutes of conventional petroleum based plastics have been the
focus of many material scientists, architects and industrial product designers. In response to the environmental
problems caused by petroleum-based plastics dumped as waste in the oceans, the development of biocomposite
materials such as bioplastics represent a paradigmatic shift, driving the evolution of conventional material
practices. There are two major advantages to bio-based plastic products: they save fossil resources by using
biomass and provide the keenly sought-after possibility of carbon neutrality. Additionally, bioplastics are often
biodegradable [1] (Figure 1).

Fig. 1. Simple bioplastic with sand, honey and milk. Photo by the author.

Research on starch based bioplastic in architecture is very new and has a more widespread use mainly in
packaging, civil engineering and textile industry. Stevens mentioned biodegradable plastics derived entirely or
almost entirely from renewable raw materials [2, vii] and grouped bioplastic into three: bioplastics “made from
ready-made polymers in nature, such as starch; plastics processed from polymers produced by microbial
fermentation; and plastics processed from resins polymerized from naturally occurring monomers such as lactic
acid” [3]. (He formulated starch based bioplastic that was also taken as a reference point in this research for
development.

Gupta addressed the use of starch based bioplastic as a packaging material [4]. Pilla evaluated the potential
use of bioplastics for its becoming widespread use in the packaging sector, civil engineering, biomedical uses,
automotive and general engineering, mainly in consumer goods. There are different of bioplastics derived from
starch, as well as polyactic acid (PLA: a starch derived from corn), poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), soy based
plastics and more [5].

Since bioplastics and specially starch based bioplastics have been researched in engineering disciplines, there
is less attempt to discover its uses as a façade element and material in architecture. Some inspirations for
experimenting bioplastic and biocomposite materials and products can be given as follows: Marilu Valente, an
architecture student designed bioplastic brick and experimented with tensile strength and durability of it (Figure
2). Another project made of bioplastic is Arboskin pavilion in Stuttgart. The pavilion is made up of a bioplastic
that contains of materials that are over 90% renewable, such as starch, cellulose, lignin and biopolymers and is
used as a fire exit of a building. The shell is designed with laser-cut modules molded with high temperature and
laser-cut surface. To form the structure, the triangular cells that make up Arboskin were linked together with
bracing rings and joists [6] (Figure 3). The other projects realized by architects and artists can be given as: “Half-
Acre/Half-Life” project by Meredith Miller which is an artistic experimentation of hand-made starch based
bioplastic and to observe its decaying and biodegradibility without tests. Other experimental works are Juliette
Pepin and Johan Viladrich, two multidisciplinary designers who experiment with small samples of different
starch based bioplastic through its variations such as combining bioplastic with different materials such as felt,
ash and blood.
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 251

Figure 2. Bioplastic brick by Marilu Valente [7].

Figure 3. Arboskin pavillion, Stuttgart [8].

Along with these experiments of bioplastic in architecture, further research needs to be done in order to
evaluate the performance of starch based bioplastic in architecture. Therefore, deriving from ecological means
and the above mentioned examples from an architect or artist approach to bioplastic, this research aims to find
out possibilities of starch based bioplastic and biocomposite as a construction material. The focus of this research
is to figure out whether starch based bioplastic material can be used in architecture, both as a facade material and
an interior space furnishing. The research also aims to understand whether the material can be used alternatively
to the cement as a connective material in concrete or perform better when blended with natural and other
synthetic fibers. Within the research, vegetable based starch is blended with different additives and biopolymers,
natural fibers such as pellet (compressed sunflower, canola and other agricultural waste) and synthetic fibers in
order to improve a strength and durable material. The project aims to produce a biocomposite material consisting
of organic and inorganic materials that can be used as a surface and furniture. The research expands to
understanding how organic and inorganic interventions can be made in order to increase the life span of the
material, make it durable and resistant to humid and weather conditions [9].
Within the research, it is also suggested that bioplastic material can also be used alternatively to the cement as
a connective material in concrete. Bioplastic produced from potato starch is formed and molded firstly as a sheet
and secondly as a three-dimensional material and tested for vulnerability and durability, as well as for
understanding material behavior under pressure, humid and different conditions [9].

2. Starch Based Bioplastic

Bioplastics are sustainable, largely biodegradable and biocompatible. A simple bioplastic is formed with the
following equation: Biopolymer(s) + plasticizer(s)+ other additive(s) = BIOPLASTIC [2, p. 105]. A bioplastic is
formed from starch, gelatin/agar, sorbitol, glycerol (glycerin). These ingredients are heated to just below boiling
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 252

(95°C) in a hot plate and later dried in an oven [2, 166] (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Ingredients of pure bioplastic [10].

Starch is a polysachharide, “generally extracted from the plant by wet milling process” and is used as a
starting material for a wide range of green biomaterials. About 75% of all organic material exists in the form of
polysaccharides [4, 189]. Some of different sources of starch are corn, pea, oat, potato/sweet/white, water
chestnut, wheat, chestnut, banana, rye, tapioca, etc. [4, 190]. “Starch is used in its raw state or further processed
by bacterial fermentation to produce biobased monomers, which are polymerized into bioplastics” [11, 202].
Potato starch is one of the suitable resources for film formation and has a potential use for packaging [12, 6].
Food packaging has expecially been one of the most quickly developed markets for starch based bioplastics [2,
149]. When heated, water disrupts starch molecules. Gupta explains this process as: “When dried, the disordered
polymer chains become entangled and a neat film is formed”. “The granules swell and burst, the semi crystalline
structure is lost and the smaller amylose molecules start leaching out of the granule, forming a network that
holds water and increasing the mixture’s viscosity. This process is called gelatinization. During cooking, the
starch becomes a paste and increases further in viscosity. During cooling or prolonged storage of the paste, the
semi crystalline structure partially recovers and the starch thickens, expelling water” [4, 191].
The process of “heating, mixing and shear stress” breakdown starch granules, “making it a thermoplastics
material with interesting tensile properties (modulus and strength) and gas barrier properties” [12, 6]. Vinegar
(acetic acid) helps the gelatin and glycerin get together [13].
Today, bioplastics can be found in packaging, food services, agriculture/horticulture, automotive and
consumer goods, and this range is only increasing. Bioplastics can be derived from starch, as well as polylactic
acid (PLA: a starch derived from corn), poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), soy based plastics and more [5, 2].
In the production of starch based bioplastic, Steven’s basic formula was referenced, however different
proportions and additives were tested to observe and compare the durability, flexibility and resistance to humid
of the outcome products. Within this research xxx research group combined architecture and bioplastic and tried
to understand how designers gain experience from indeterminate experimentations through materiality. Through
questioning a relationship between form, program, process and content hapticity and material experience gained
importance. Today, haptic experience can remind us of how to engage with natural and human-made materials,
their values and effects on the environment in our world of consumption. This experience is therefore not only a
finding out or invention a new material or fetishize innovative materialism, but about rethinking on values,
consumption practices and life cycles and decaying and biodegradability of the material. Due the nature to the
nature of hand-crafting and cooking skills, and the nature of experiments, handling ambiguity was the core of the
experimenting process.

3. Experiments with Bioplastic and Methodology

In our experiments, bioplastic is produced from potato starch, firstly as a sheet and secondly as a three-
dimensional material and tested for vulnerability and durability, as well as for understanding material behavior
under pressure, humid and different conditions.
In this study, the inspiration point for such a tendency towards understanding bioplastic materials and
producing them was developed by the observation of the dominancy of farming in Tekirdağ, a small waterfront
city in the neighborhood of İstanbul. The city’s economy depends mainly on farming: The city is covered with
sunflowers, canola (95% of whole production in Turkey) and wheat. The stalks of these plants are evaluated as
agricultural waste and cannot be eaten by humans and animals; instead they are compressed and formed into
pellet sticks, which are later burnt in special stoves and are effective sources for biodiesel.
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 253

Bioplastic material has two weaknesses. First, bioplastics can be very susceptible to moisture and secondly, it
is not a particularly strong material. However, by combining two or three different polymers - such as agar agar,
fibers collected from vegetable and fruit waste, arabic gum, resin, coffee grout, or lye (from oak ash)- to form a
composite material these weaknesses can be overcome. The use of all additives can also reduce both the cost of
the material and C02 emissions. We also blend edible bioplastic with natural fibers; such as pellet (compressed
agglomerates; mainly canola and sunflower waste) and lignin in order to improve moisture susceptibility and
strength of bioplastic natural and synthetic fibers.
Bioplastic experiments are classified under 4 groups: Pure bioplastic, bioplastic as a matrix for aggregates,
bioplastic with different fibers, and different fibers to improve properties of bioplastic. These blends were
compared to each other.

3.1. Pure bioplastic

Pure bioplastic was gained with 6x6x6 and 15x22x0,8 cm steel and wooden molds. It was observed that pure
bioplastic specimens are not resistant to humid and compression and cracked. Potato, corn, wheat and tapioca
starch were used and it was observed that tapioca starch works as the best type of biopolymer in the formation of
bioplastic and secondly the potato starch, thirdly wheat starch. The figures show pure three-dimensional
specimens (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Pure potato and corn starch bioplastic, potato starch in sheet form and corn starch colored modules
from the exhibition, realized in a workshop during Tirana Architecture Weeks by students of Polis University in
Tirana. Photos by the author and Julia Janku.

3.2. Bioplastic as a matrix for aggregates

Pure bioplastic was mixed with 0-4 mm. aggregates in order to improve the properties of strength. These
specimens were molded with 15x15x15 cm steel concrete molds. The results were observed as sponge-like,
lightweight material with some cracks on the surface due to open-air drying (Figure 6).

Figure 6. 50% Bioplastic, 50 % Mixture: (Aggregate:0/4 mm), Steel mold, Dimension: 15 x 15 x 15 cm. Photo
by the author.

3.3. Bioplastic as a matrix for different fibres

Due to the difficulties in making a homogeneous mixture in 15 cm cubic specimens, 5 cm and 6 cm cubic
specimens were gained. Agar agar, synthetic polyolefin fibers and pellets were added. Additionally, beewax,
cotton, gauze band, agar agar, oak mesh and lye, gum tragacanth, arabic gum, pine resin and pellet were added.
It was observed that these additions strengthen bioplastic (Figure 7).
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 254

Figure 7. Used additives in order to improve mechanical properties of bioplastic; biopolymers and plasticizers
for bioplastic.

Agar agar (E406) is a biopolymer and a polysaccharide derived from red seaweed and is used in food
industry. In the experiments agar was used in powder form [2, 166]. Bioplastic mixture was poured in liquid jelly
form which resulted as cracks on the surface. Instead solid mixture displayed much better results. It was
observed that agar agar acts as a strong biopolymer for starch based bioplastics, as well as dried skin of various
fruit and vegetables such as pumpkin seed, fig and corn leaf.
When the blend is poured on a natural rubber or EVA surface rather than steel, glass or wood surface, less
crack or deformation on the surface was formed (Figures 8, 9, 10).

Figure 8. Dried skin of pumpkin seed as a biopolymer with agar agar potato starch bioplastic. Photo by the
author.

Figure 9. Tapioca starch with agar agar bioplastic. Photo by the author.
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 255

Figure 10. Bioplastic with linen grid, Dimension: 15x22x0,8 cm. Photo by the author.

3.3.1. Pellet as Agricultural Waste for Bioplastic

Pellets are compressed agglomerates used for making biodiesel such as canola or sunflower waste. They help
save fuel resources. In our experiments, canola pellets were used in 6x6x6 cm and 15x22x0,8 cm specimens. It
was observed that pellet use increases the endurance of the specimen, making it strengthful. Sea grass (Posidonia
oceanica) has been used by Neptutherm firm as an insulation material. It was observed that the use of small
particles of this seaplant provide sufficient hardness and endurance for bioplastic (Figures 11, 12, 13).

Figure 11. Pellets and natural fibres used in experiments, 1. Canola stalk pellet, 2. molasses pellet, 3. canola and
coal dust pellet, 4. molasses and ash pellet [From left to right] and different natural fibers, Dimension: 15x22x0,8
cm. Photo by the author.

Figure 12. Canola pellet with bee wax, Dimension: 15x22x0,8 cm. Photo by the author.

Figure 13. Seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) collected from shores of Albania, [14, 15]. Seagrass and canola pellet
potato starch bioplastic and pure seagrass potato starch bioplastic, Dimension 5x5x5 cm and potato starch
bioplastic with seagrass. Photo by the author.

3.4. Addition of different fibers to bioplastic which are matrix to aggregates

In this group of experiments, marble powder was added to 15x15x0,3cm specimens and was found out that
the materials were hard. Regarding all these groups, modules of 6x6x6cm with potato starch and agar agar were
combined in order to make a lateral wall. The mortar was used by a mixture of lime with gypsum and mixed
aggregate of 0/1 and 0/4 mm. This mortar was also dried in the oven (Figures 14, 15, 16).
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 256

Figure 14. Marble aggregate and synthetic fiber bioplastic with methylene for color, Dimension: 15x15x0,3 and
5x5x0,3 cm. Photo by the author.

Figure 15. Specimens 5 x 5 x 0,3 cm: 1. Bioplastic with marble powder, methylene, 2. Bioplastic with wood
fiber, methylene, 3. Bioplastic with pressed canola stalk, coal dust pellet, lye, 4. Bioplastic with pressed coffee,
lye (From left to right in rows). Photo by the author.

Figure 16. 6x6x6cm cubic modular wall. Photo by the author.

4. Chemistry of Bioplastic

Starch has a heterogeneous, semi-crystalline granular structure and the degree of ordered structure are
important effect in foods and bioplastic formation [16]. Starch is one of the biodegradable polymers which can
replace synthetic polymers in situations requiring short-term solutions, such as food packaging and disposable
cutlery. Major starch resources include potato, corn, rice, wheat gluten and soy. In these starch is stored in the
form of semi-crystalline granules composed of two glucose polymers, amylose and amylopectin [12, 5-6]. In
light of recent research carried out at Stanford University, it seems the next generation of bioplastics will be
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 257

derived from carbon dioxide.

Other recent research has studied a reinforcement for wheat gluten based bioplastics produced from rubber
and sawdust. The experiment, carried out by Bootklad et al., evaluated the morphology, water absorption,
mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties of the wheat gluten and found good dispersion and uniform
embedding in the material [17]. In this article, a few characterization techniques were evaluated for rubber wood
sawdust (RWS), such as morphology, water absorption, mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties of
the wheat gluten. A good dispersion and uniform embedding of the EWS was observed within the wheat gluten
matrix.
With high moisture and intermediate moisture materials, such as gels, cakes, and breads, starch bioplastics
include only a limited amount of water (less than 20% w/w) both during processing and after processing [18].
Starch structure can be characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance, X-
ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Native potato starch was derivatized using
different agents to reduce its hydrophobicity. If we add nanocellulose into the starch material, the mechanical
properties of biopolymers as well as to maintain their inherent biodegradable capability will improve [19].
This contribution demonstrates a new approach to form bioplastics with both improved moisture and heat
resistance and high mechanical properties. Further research on morphology and structure is essential to
understand the structure-property relationship of polymer composites [20]. The development of biodegradable
materials to be used by the plastic industry has been taken increasing interest over the last few years. González-
Gutierrez et al [21] have studied the different blends of albumen protein and starch (potato and corn), which are
used as raw materials for bioplastics exhibiting high transparency and suitable mechanical properties.
However, long-term issues such as recycling bioplastic from petroleum-based plastics, the cost, and reliability
on the soil remain controversial issues. Recycling feedstock such as pellet and natural fibres that cannot be eaten
by humans and animals are good resources in for bioplastic in terms of waste management.

5. Biodegradability

‘In accordance with ASTM D 6400, biodegradable plastics are only those whose degra- dation occurs as a
result of natural action of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, in a limited period of time and in
absence of ecotoxic effects’ [22, 1950]. Indeed, with regard to recycling, nowadays processes for selecting and
recycling bioplastics are not yet developed, despite what happens for conventional plastics [22, 1951].
‘Additives are often present in the bioplastics, mainly to improve the mechanical properties of the obtained
material. This choice may not only cause a reduction in the biodegradability of plastics and other serious
ecotoxic effects, but it might even determine the non-compostability of the bioplastic, making in fact, a vain
every advantage achievable through the use of a bioplastic’ [22, 1951].
In the experiments, some of the specimens were moulded and beewax mixed specimens shows signs of
melting and creating humid internally after a duration of one year. According to the results of experiments in 4
groups, the evaluations are made for specimens under 15 cm cubic and sheet specimens, since greater size
demanded mechanical devices in order to mix the mixture rather than handmade. It is observed that soft fiber
additions increase in bioplastic material strength. Agar agar (biopolymer), seagrass, gum tragacanth, and pellet
addition effect bioplastic in terms of durability. Cube bioplastic specimen is tested under the one directional axial
force for compressive strength. Cube specimen consists of 50% bioplastic and 50% aggregate. The aggregate
used in the bioplastic cube specimen is 0-4 mm in size. After the compressive strength test was performed after
28 days without cooking, molding and open air drying. Compressive strength of bioplastic cube specimens,
2.8MPa, 3.2MPa and 3.05MPa. Average strength of material is 3.02 MPa [10].
The results obtained from our recent experiments show that bioplastics can be used as construction materials
in the form of three-dimensional elements under available conditions. However, durability, strength conditions,
moist susceptibility and life cycle of the material need to be evaluated within further research [10].

6. Bioplastic Materials in Architecture

Recent advances in the mechanistic development of bioplastic materials and the computer-aided design
approach and robotics have improved the ability to construct more sustainable architectural systems [23]. In
academic literature, there are many bioplastic material usage in numerous biomedical and nanotechnologic
applications, such as tissue engineering “smart nanodevices” drug delivery, and protein purification [24].
Molecular biologists are exploring bioplastic are exploring biosynthetic compounds to non-natural proteins with
controlled material properties. Scientists have investigated the new developments from molecular biology to
polymer chemistry [25].
Besides its recently growing area in chemistry, how will the future of bioplastic influence architects to use
this not much practiced ambiguous, yet promising material? To answer this question, we need to evaluate how
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 258

architects and designers gain material experience. It is firstly through confrontation with the material, which
means observing designed surface. Secondly, gaining observing is through experimenting with it like an
alchemist. The second feature seems to arise. In this age of sustainability, recycle and reuse have brought along
ambiguous and indeterminate processes that have led to experimenting with different materials and composite
elements.
Currently, the production and the process of biodegrading bioplastic materials is more expensive than
conventional plastics. This is due to the complex biological processes in measuring biodegradability and material
properties such as tensile strength, indentation hardness, elongation, loss of volatile components, barrier to
oxygen and moisture, oil resistance, ease of marring, fold resilience, tear resistance according to (ASTM)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) [2, 180]. Despite this hard, yet surmountable issue, we
need to radically change our consumption practices, recycle and minimize the amount of conventional plastic
production. Regarding sustainability, lifecycle, life span of materials, the feedstock used for materials, the use
and meaning value of materials, we need to understand biological systems in relation to architecture and design.
The future of bioplastics seems to face two confrontations. Firstly, there is a growing trend in the biobased
material production. Between new materialisms and consumption innovate a new material, can largely become
part of a material fetishism. Secondly, it can create a paradigm shift by replacing conventional plastics with its
reduced costs and large availability, as packaging and building construction. Thirdly, bioplastics can find a place
in niche-market as Stevens mentions [2, 159].
In all cases, material experience of such vegetable based material production can help minimizing global
environmental problems caused by the increasing use of fossil resources in our age of consumption. Regarding
our over engineered plastics in order to make strength and durable materials for everyday use, environmental
recycling consideration has been a less minor issue. Material experience of such vegetable based material
production can help minimizing global environmental problems caused by the increasing use of fossil resources
in our age of consumption.
Bioplastics can derive the future of architecture as green composites, which provide a “sustainable alternative
with 100% biodegradability” conventional methods of production, reducing ‘the carbon foot print on the
environment’ [5, xxi]. The current experiments for testing the biodegradability of the material is limited due to
its expensive costs as well as the complex processes to the biological and complex processes [2, 180].
Additionally, they can enable reducing “food waste” which is a “major source of CO2 emissions” and “keeping
renewable carbon in the ‘loop’” when recycled [26].

7. Conclusion

The research aimed at raising curiosity in sustainable and experimental biobased material design by enabling
an ambiguous and practice based design process from the perspective of different disciplines. Issues on
sustainability, designing and sensing the unpredictable and searching for “new” materials for a greener and
sustainable future were the main core of bioplastic production. As a result, a starch based bioplastic materials are
constituted from vinegar, starch, glycerol, salt and water for possible use as an emerging innovative material in
architecture.
Regarding the negative carbon footprint and long-term environmental effects of fossil-based plastics through
landfill and incineration, the search for such a material brings forth a deeper material experience along with a
further collaboration of architects and engineering disciplines. Through this production, we need to figure out
deeply the nature of new starch based materials in architecture, which are eco-friendly, cheaper and more
strengthful materials compared to conventional synthesized polymers.

Acknowledgements

Bioplarch is a scientific research project originally entitled as “Bioplastic: An Experimental Biomorphology

in Architecture” and conducted by Esen Gökce Ozdamar, (With researchers Instructor Ahmet Bal (Construction
Engineering), Şermin Şentürk (Architecture student) and Professor, PhD Murat Ates (Chemistry) at Namık
Kemal University between 31.03.2016-14.11.2017. This work was supported by Research Fund of the Namık
Kemal University under Grant NKUBAP.08.GA.16.050.
The project was also selected in a competition held by Future Architecture Platform, the first pan-European
platform of architecture museums, festivals and producers, supported by European Union Creative Europe
Program and the project was awarded with a series of conferences and workshops held in Europe in 2016 and
2017.
 E.G.Özdamar,M. Ateş/ J Sustain. Construct. Mater. Technol. 3(3) (2018) 249-260 259

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